Stretch Marks

Stretch marks on the skin tend to occur randomly in the population and are not necessarily a sing of age or the result of childbirth, as a demographic disease it spares neither the young nor the old-it can affect males and females equally. The first physical symptoms or signs of stretch marks are an emerging red area or purple streak on the skin which becomes slightly raised above the surface of the surrounding skin. These areas will in time, turn very shiny and tend to become flattened, at times they even have a fallen in appearance on the surface of the skin. Areas of the body such as the thighs, the stomach and the breasts are common areas for the appearance of stretch marks in many people. There exists a great deal of difference between cellulite and stretch marks, in the former the skin have a raised and puckered appearance, and the affected area bears superficial similarity to an orange peel or golf ball.

The development of stretch marks occurs when skin in the body is stretched beyond its elastic capacities, and the development or underlying reasons for stretch marks is quite dissimilar to conditions like cellulite, which is caused by the deposition of fatty tissues in the sub-surface region of the skin. People who have very poor skin elasticity are much more susceptibility to being affected by stretch marks as a condition. In addition, as a distinct demographic group, all women on the whole tend to be more susceptible to the development of stretch marks especially during puberty and during a term of pregnancy. The development of stretch marks can also occur if the weight gained by a person over a short period of time is substantial weight or if the person becomes obese in a matter of months. In addition, stretch marks can also be caused by the use of cortisone medications especially when such medications are taken on a regular basis over a long period of time.

Supplements and herbs

The prevention of stretch marks and the maintenance of skin elasticity are guaranteed by regular supplements of the vitamins C and E-these two nutrients are extremely important for the health of human skin. As proven in a large number of cases, the continued and regular use of vitamin supplements can bring big improvements in the nature and appearance of stretch marks especially when such supplementation is done for several months at a time. The skin also requires the essential mineral silica-which is a vital nutrient for the health of human skin. Healthy skin also requires the presence of adequate amounts of the vitamin B complex in the body of a person. The treatment of stretch marks on the body is an area requiring the presence of the essential mineral zinc in sufficient amounts. This essential mineral is of vital importance to the healing of tissues and in the regeneration of cells within the organs. The elasticity of skin requires adequate levels of the vitamin A-the vitamin must be supplemented to improve skin elasticity.

The following herbs and herbal remedies can all be used in the effective treatment of stretch marks.

Topical use of the herbal juices of the aloe vera along with the juice of the horsetail herb will help in the generation and rebuilding of skin over the scar tissue-these herbs will also increase the elasticity of the skin and strengthen it at the same time. These two herbal juices can be directly massaged into the affected areas of the skin on a daily basis, especially during early pregnancy-regular massage sessions using these herbs will help in the prevention of stretch marks. Herbal drinks of a single tbsp. of the juice of rose hip plants on a daily basis will keep the skin elastic and soft-this herb is an excellent source for the vitamin C, a nutrient vital to skin health.

What else you can do

Topical treatments of the affected skin can also be carried out using opened capsules of the vitamin E; the vitamin can be applied directly onto the affected areas of the skin. The vitamin will aid in preventing the occurrence of stretch marks and at times may induce the complete removal of stretch marks when used over a long period of time. The use of topical compresses and external massages to the skin can greatly aid in the promotion of circulation and will help in removing the deposits of fatty tissues on the skin.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin A, 25,000 IU. Must be avoided during pregnancy.
• Vitamin B complex, 50 mg thrice a day.
• Vitamin E, 400 IU.
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1000 mg.
• Silica, 1,000 mg.
• Zinc 15 mg, with 3 mg of copper.